I had # 19 removed on wed 3-12-08 due to a recurrent abcess & vertical root fracture.
IT is 2 days later. I have no pain but I was looking in my mouth because it felt funny and the socket looks infected to me. I did have an infection at the time of removal and was not on anti-biotics.
THe site looks "moldy" is how I would say. Blackish with some tiny white specks. I used a Q-tip to very gently "check it out" some mildly bloody spit or pus came out. It was then that it started to smell. I don't really want to poke at it more in case that is the blood clot. I just want to know is my mouth supposed to smell? And what does a blot clot or dry socket actually look like? I just don't like bad breath. I don't feel it is a dry socket because I have no pain. Just what should I do??
ANY INFO HELPS!! :D

You should have been instructed to rinse GENTLY with warm salt water starting 24 hours after the extraction. You should start rinsing now and do it a few times a day. Don't go poking at it!

I had # 19 removed on wed 3-12-08 due to a recurrent abcess & vertical root fracture.
IT is 2 days later. I have no pain but I was looking in my mouth because it felt funny and the socket looks infected to me. I did have an infection at the time of removal and was not on anti-biotics.
THe site looks "moldy" is how I would say. Blackish with some tiny white specks. I used a Q-tip to very gently "check it out" some mildly bloody spit or pus came out. It was then that it started to smell. I dont really want to poke at it more in case that is the blood clot. I just want to know is my mouth supposed to smell? and what does a blot clot or dry socket actually look like? I just dont like bad breath. I don't feel it is a dry socket because I have no pain. Just what should I do?????
ANY INFO HELPS!!!!:D
Thanks. I called my friend who is a dental asst. She said the same. I was never instructed by my dentist about any Post-op instructions other than changing the gauze every 30 minutes. I went and ate lunch about 3 hours after, and ate and drank as usual. I wish I would have known not to do that. She said antibiotics might help if it doesn't get better in a few days. Can I do anything else in addition to regular oral hygene and salt water wash to help?

You will probably find an improvement by Sunday just using the salt water rinses.